Illumination device, display device, data generation method, data generation program, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

Under control of a main microcomputer, an LED controller generates two frame-type LED control signals corresponding to two frame image signals arranged in time series in accordance with a panel processing color video signal. Furthermore, the LED controller generates from two frame-type LED control signals, a frame-type LED signal corresponding to an interpolation frame image signal temporally between the two frame image signals.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an illumination device like a backlightunit, for example, and to a display device (liquid crystal displaydevice and the like) that includes the illumination device. Besides, thepresent invention relates to: a data generation method for generatinglight amount adjustment data for controlling a light source of theillumination device; a data generation program for generating the lightamount adjustment data; and further a record medium for recording thedata generation program.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, in display devices such as a liquid crystal display device andthe like, a liquid crystal display panel controller that controls aliquid crystal panel has a generation function for generating aninterpolation frame image signal (patent document 1). The generationfunction for generating an interpolation frame, from a frame imagesignal that is based on a signal (panel control data) which is part ofan image signal (image data) and is transmitted to the liquid crystaldisplay panel controller, generates an interpolation fame image signalfor interpolating each frame image signal; and inserts the generatedframe image signal between the frame image signal data.

This function is simply shown in FIG. 13A. In detail, FIG. 13A is adiagram in which frame image signals (frame image data) ap′, bp′, cp′, .. . and interpolation frame image signals (interpolation fame imagedata) ap′bp′, bp′cp′ . . . generated from these frame image signals arearranged in time series (here, for example, it is meant that theinterpolation frame image signals ap′bp′ is generated from the frameimage signal ap′ and the frame image signal bp′).

In a case where such interpolation frame image signal is interpolatedbetween the frame image signals, usually, a display image on a liquidcrystal display panel becomes a high-quality image compared with adisplay image that displays the frame image signal only.

Citation List Patent Literature

PLT1: JP-A-2008-11197

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the meantime, the image signal, besides the signal transmitted to theliquid crystal display panel controller, includes a signal (light sourcecontrol data) for controlling a light source (e.g., an LED (LightEmitting Diode) that is incorporated in a backlight unit. And, inaccordance with a signal (light amount adjustment data) after variousprocesses applied to this signal, light emission from the LED iscontrolled (here, a member that performs such various processes iscalled a microcomputer unit, that is, a micro unit).

In detail, the micro unit (control unit), based on a signal (lightsource control data) for controlling the LED, generates a frame-type LEDcontrol signal (frame- corresponding-type light amount adjustment data)as a signal that corresponds to a frame (one screen). Especially, themicro unit makes the frame-type LED control signal correspond to a frameimage signal. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, as the frame-type LEDcontrol signals that correspond to the frame image signals ap′, bp′, cp′. . . , frame-type LED control signals ad′, bd′, cd′ . . . aregenerated.

Here, as shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the frame image signals ap′,bp′, cp′ . . . and the interpolation frame image signals ap′bp′, bp′cp′. . . are signals that are obtained by double-speeding a frame frequencyof 60 Hz. Accordingly, in order to synchronize the frame-type LEDcontrol signals with the frame image signals ap′, bp′, cp′, . . . andthe interpolation frame image signals ap′bp′, bp′cp′, . . . the microunit also double-speeds the frame-type LED control signals. Usually, asshown in FIG. 13B, the micro unit simply double-speeds the frame-typeLED control signals ad′, bd′, cd′ . . . .

In this case, for example, between the frame image signal ap′ and theframe- type LED control signal ad′ that synchronize with each other, acorresponding relationship is satisfied; however, the interpolationframe image signal ap′bp′ does not corresponds to the frame-type LEDcontrol signal ad′. Because of this, the display image on the liquidcrystal display panel based on the interpolation frame image signalreceives light (backlight) that is based on the frame-type LED controlsignal that does not have a corresponding relationship. Because of this,on this display image, image blur, dynamic-image trouble (flicker) andthe like easily occur.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. And,for example, it is an object of the present invention to provide anillumination device and the like that achieve a high quality of adisplay image on a liquid crystal display panel.

Solution to Problem

The illumination device includes: a plurality of light sources that emitlight in accordance with light amount adjustment data; and

-   -   a control unit that from image data which is a base of panel        control data and light source control data, generates the light        amount adjustment data by applying a process to the light source        control data.

And, in this illumination device, the control unit, based on the panelcontrol data, generates the light amount adjustment data of a frame typeto the number of 2 while making the light amount adjustment datacorrespond to two frame image data that are arranged in time series; and

-   -   from the two light amount adjustment data of the frame type,        generates the light amount adjustment data of an interpolation        frame type that corresponds to intermediate interpolation frame        image data in a time passage between the two frame image data.

According to this, the light amount adjustment data of the interpolationframe type, which is in good harmonization with the interpolation frameimage data based on the two frame image data, is generated. This isbecause the light amount adjustment data of the interpolation frame typeis generated based on the two light amount adjustment data of the frametype that are in good harmonization with the two frame image data.

In other words, “interpolation” which is applied to the frame image datais also applied to the light amount adjustment data of the frame type.Because of this, if there is a good corresponding relationship inharmonization between the frame image data and the light amountadjustment data of the frame type, a good corresponding relationship inharmonization is also satisfied between the interpolation frame imagedata and the light amount adjustment data of the interpolation frametype.

And, the illumination device supplies light, which is based on the lightamount adjustment data of the frame type that is in good harmonizationwith the interpolation frame image data, to a liquid crystal displaypanel and the like that display an image which is based on theinterpolation frame image data. In this case, image blur, dynamic-imagetrouble (flicker feeling) and the like are unlikely to occur on thedisplay image that is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel andthe like. In other words, this illumination device is able to supply thelight that does not allow image blur, dynamic-image trouble (flickerfeeling) and the like from occurring on the display image that isdisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel and the like.

Here, it is desirable that the control unit changes contribution ratiosof one and the other of the two light amount adjustment data of theframe type to generate the light amount adjustment data of theinterpolation fame type.

Besides, it is desirable that in a case where the interpolation frameimage data is generated in accordance with one highest contributionratio of the one and the other of the two frame image data that arearranged in time series, the control unit generates the light amountadjustment data of the interpolation frame type in accordance with thehighest contribution ratio of the one of the light amount adjustmentdata that corresponds to the one of the frame image data.

Besides, it is desirable that the control unit generates the lightamount adjustment data of the frame interpolation type to the number ofone or more.

Here, it is possible to say that a display device which includes theabove illumination device and a display panel that displays an image inaccordance with the image data is also the present invention. In detail,this display device is described in detail as follows.

In other words, the display device, besides the control unit, includesan image signal process portion and a liquid display panel controller.The image signal process portion separates the image data into panelcontrol data and light source control data. The liquid display panelcontroller applies a process to the panel control data to generate, asthe two frame image data, first frame image data and second frame imagedata that are arranged in time series; and generates the interpolationframe image data from the first frame image data and the second frameimage data.

And, the control unit applies a process to the light source control datato generate, as the two light amount adjustment data of the frame typethat are arranged in time series: first light amount adjustment datawhich corresponds to the first frame image data; and second light amountadjustment data which corresponds to the second frame image data.Further, the control unit generates the light amount adjustment data ofthe interpolation frame type from the first light amount adjustment dataand the second light amount adjustment data.

Besides, in a data generation method for the illumination device thatfrom the image data which is a base of the panel control data and thelight source control data, generates the light amount adjustment data byapplying a process to the light source control data, it is possible tosay that the following method is also the present invention.

In other words, the data generation method, based on the panel controldata, generates the light amount adjustment data of the frame type tothe number of 2 while making the light amount adjustment data correspondto the two frame image data that are arranged in time series; and

-   -   from the two light amount adjustment data of the frame type,        generates the light amount adjustment data of the interpolation        frame type that corresponds to the intermediate interpolation        frame image data in a time passage between the two frame image        data.

Besides, in a data generation program for the illumination device thatgenerates the light amount control data on the illumination device thatincludes:

-   -   the plurality of light sources that emit light in accordance        with the light amount adjustment data; and    -   the control unit that from the image data which is a base of the        panel control data and the light source control data, generates        the light amount adjustment data by applying a process to the        light source control data, it is possible to say that the        following program is also the present invention.

In other words, the data generation program, based on the panel controldata, generates the light amount adjustment data of the frame type tothe number of 2 while making the light amount adjustment data correspondto the two frame image data that are arranged in time series; and

-   -   from the two light amount adjustment data of the frame type,        generates the light amount adjustment data of the interpolation        frame type that corresponds to the intermediate interpolation        frame image data in a time passage between the two frame image        data;    -   wherein the data generation program is executed by the control        unit.

Here, it is possible to say that a computer-readable record medium thatrecords the above data generation program is also the present invention.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the “interpolation” which is appliedto the panel control data contained in the image data is also applied tothe light amount adjustment data that is based on the light sourcecontrol data contained in the image data. And, a good correspondingrelationship in harmonization is satisfied between the interpolationframe image data, which is generated from the two frame image data basedon the panel control data, and the light amount adjustment data of theinterpolation frame type which is generated from the two light amountadjustment data of the frame type based on the light source controldata.

In this case, the illumination device supplies light, which is based onthe light amount adjustment data of the frame type that is in goodharmonization with the interpolation frame image data, to the liquidcrystal display panel and the like that display an image which is basedon the interpolation frame image data; and because of this, brightnessunevenness, color unevenness and the like do not occur on the displayimage that is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel and thelike. In other words, this illumination device supplies lightdistribution that does not allow image blur, dynamic-image trouble(flicker feeling) and the like from occurring on the display image thatis displayed on the liquid crystal display panel and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] is a block diagram showing various members contained in aliquid crystal display device.

[FIG. 2] is a descriptive view in which a frame image signal and aninterpolation frame image signal arranged in time series areschematized.

[FIG. 3] is a descriptive view in which the block diagram in FIG. 1 issimplified and various signals are schematized and arranged.

[FIG. 4] is a descriptive view in which a horizontal axis is use as atime axis and various signals are arranged in time series (here, theframe frequency is double-speeded).

[FIG. 5] is a descriptive view in which a contribution ratio of aframe-type LED control signal to an interpolation frame-type LED controlsignal is additionally represented in the descriptive view in FIG. 4.

[FIG. 6] is a descriptive view in which a horizontal axis is use as atime axis and various signals are arranged in time series (here, theframe frequency is speeded four times faster). [FIG. 7] is a descriptiveview in which a contribution ratio of a frame-type LED control signal toan interpolation frame-type LED control signal is additionallyrepresented in the descriptive view in FIG. 6.

[FIG. 8] is a descriptive view showing a light brightness level thatcorresponds to a frame-type LED control signal.

[FIG. 9A] is a descriptive view in which a contribution ratio of a frameimage signal to an interpolation frame image signal is additionallyrepresented in the descriptive view in FIG. 5.

[FIG. 9B] is a descriptive view showing that the interpolation frameimage signal in FIG. 9A is substantially the frame image signal.

[FIG. 9C] is a descriptive view showing that the interpolationframe-type LED control signal in FIG. 9A is substantially the frame-typeLED control signal.

[FIG. 10] is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal displaydevice.

[FIG. 11] is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal displaydevice.

[FIG. 12A] is a front view showing an LED that incorporates a pluralityof LED chips.

[FIG. 12B] is a front view showing an LED that incorporates a single LEDchip.

[FIG. 13A] is a descriptive view in which frame image signals andinterpolation frame image signals, which are generated by a conventionalliquid crystal display panel controller, are arranged.

[FIG. 13B] is a descriptive view in which frame-type LED control imagesignals, which correspond to a frame image signal and an interpolationframe image signal, are arranged in time series.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

An embodiment is described based on drawings as follows. Here, forconvenience, there are some cases where member references and the likeare not indicated; in such cases, other drawings are referred to.Besides, although not a sectional view, for convenience, there are somecases where dot shading is applied. Besides, numerical embodimentsdescribed are only examples, and the numerical values are not limiting.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a liquid crystal displaydevice (display device) 99. As shown in this FIG. 11, the liquid crystaldisplay device 99 includes: a liquid crystal display panel (displaypanel) 89; a backlight unit (illumination device) 79; and a housing HG(HG1, HG2) that sandwiches them.

The liquid crystal display panel 89 employs an active matrix type.Because of this, in this liquid crystal display panel 89, liquid crystal(not shown) is sandwiched by an active matrix board 81 on which activeelements such as not-shown TFTs (Thin Film transistor) and the like aredisposed and an opposite board 82 that faces this active matrix board81. In other words, the active matrix board 81 and the opposite board 82are boards that are used to sandwich the liquid crystal and are formedof transparent glass and the like.

Here, on outer edges of the active matrix board 81 and the oppositeboard 82, not-shown seal members are disposed; theses seal members sealthe liquid crystal. Besides, so as to sandwich the active matrix board81 and the opposite board 82, light polarization films 83, 83 aredisposed. Besides, a display image on this liquid crystal display panel89 is controlled by a gate driver and a source driver that connect tothe TFT and are not shown.

This liquid crystal display panel 89 is a non-light emitting displaypanel; accordingly, receives light (backlight) from the backlight unit79 to fulfill the display function. Because of this, if the light fromthe backlight unit 79 is able to evenly shine onto the entire surface ofthe liquid crystal display panel 89, the display quality of the liquidcrystal display panel 89 improves.

And, such backlight unit 79 includes: an LED module MJ; a thermistor(temperature measurement portion) 65; a photo sensor 66; a reflectionsheet 71; a diffusion sheet 72; and prism sheets 73, 74.

The LED module includes a mount board 61 and an LED (Light EmittingDiode) 62. On the mount board 61, not-shown electrodes are disposed intoa surface shape (e.g., a matrix shape); and on the electrodes, the LEDs(light sources, light emitting elements) 62 are mounted. And, the mountboard 61 supplies an electric current, which flows from a not- shownpower supply, to the LED 62 via the electrode.

The LED 62 is a point light source that receives the electric-currentsupply to emit light and is so disposed as to face the electrode on themount surface of the mount board 61 (here, a direction of the lightemitting surface of the LED 62 is the same as a direction of the mountsurface where the electrodes are laid all over). As a result of this,the LEDs 62 are disposed on the mount surface of the mount board 61 intothe surface shape and generate surface light. Here, as an example of thedisposition, there is a rectangular- and matrix-shape surfacedisposition of the LED 62; and for convenience, a long direction of therectangular shape is defined as an X direction while a short directionof the rectangular shape is defined as a Y direction.

Besides, the kind of the LED 62 is not especially limited. As anexample, as shown in a front view of the LED 62 in FIG. 12A, there isthe LED 62 in which one red light emitting (R) LED chip 63R, two greenlight emitting (G) LED chips 63G and one blue light emitting (B) LEDchip 63B are disposed in parallel and white light is generated by colormixing.

Here, as another example, as shown in a front view of the LED 62 in FIG.12B, there is the LED 62 that has a combination of the blue lightemitting LED chip 63B and a fluorescent body 54 that receives blue lightto emit yellow light (here, in the following description, unlessotherwise specified, the LED 62 which generates the white light by meansof the color mixing is used).

Besides, in such LED module MJ, it is possible to control the lightemission of each of the LEDs 62. Because of this, it becomes possible topartially shine light onto a display region of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 89. Here, FIG. 11 shows, by means of broken lines, shinedregions SA that are controllable by the LEDs 62. In other words, onesection (one of a plurality of sections arranged into a matrix shape) ofthe broken-line region is one of the shined regions SA controllable byone of the LEDs 62.

The thermistor 65 is a temperature sensor that is used to measure atemperature of the LED 62 and is mounted every four LEDs 62 on the mountboard 61 (in detail, on the mount board 61, the thermistor 65 is mountednear a center of a region surrounded by the four LEDs 62).

The photo sensor 66 is a light measurement sensor for measuring abrightness of the LED 62 and, like the thermistor 65, is mounted everyfour LEDs 62 on the mount board 61.

The reflection sheet 71 is a reflection member that is attached to themount surface of the mount board 61 avoiding the LED 62, the thermistor65 and the photo sensor 66; and has a reflection surface on the sameside of the light emitting side of the LED 62. Because of this, even ifpart of the light from the LED 62 travels toward the mount surface ofthe mount board 61, the light is reflected by the reflection surface ofthe reflection sheet 71.

The diffusion sheet 72 is so situated as to cover the LEDs 62 arrangedin the matrix shape; diffuses the surface light formed by the light fromthe LEDs 62 to spread the light throughout the entire region of theliquid crystal display panel 89 (here, this diffusion sheet 72 and theprism sheets 73, 74 are also collectively called an optical sheet group(72 to 74)).

The prism sheets 73, 74 are optical sheets that have, for example, prismshapes in a sheet surface, deflect a radiation characteristic of lightand are so situated as to cover the diffusion sheet 72. Because of this,the prism sheets 73, 74 collect the light traveling from the diffusionsheet 72 to improve the brightness. Here, the diffusion directions ofthe light collected by the prism sheet 73 and the prism sheet 74 are ina relationship to intersect each other.

And, in the above backlight unit 79, the surface light from the LED 62passes through the optical sheet group (72 to 74), turns into thebacklight whose brightness is increased and exits. And, this backlightreaches the liquid crystal display panel 89; and by means of thebacklight, the liquid crystal display panel 89 displays an image.

Next, the housing HG is described. A front housing HG1 and a rearhousing HG2 of the housing HG sandwich and fix the above backlight unit79 and the liquid crystal display panel 89 that covers the backlightunit 79 (here, the fixing method is not especially limited). In otherwords, the front housing HG1 collaborates with the rear housing HG2 tosandwich the backlight unit 79 and the liquid crystal display panel 89;because of this, the liquid crystal display device 99 is completed.

Here, on the rear housing HG2, the LED module MJ, the reflection sheet71, the diffusion sheet 72 and the prism sheets 73, 74 are stacked inthis order and the stacked direction is called a Z direction (here, itis desirable that the X direction, the Y direction and the Z directionare in a relationship to intersect each other at right angles).

In the meantime, as described above, the backlight unit 79, in which theplurality of LEDs 62 are disposed into the matrix shape, is able tocontrol the output light from each LED 62; and because of this, able topartially shine light onto the display region of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 89. Because of this, such backlight unit 79 is also ableto be called the backlight unit 79 of an active area type.

Here, the light emission control by the backlight unit 79 of the activearea type is described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing variousmembers contained in the liquid crystal display device 99 (here, the LED62 shown in FIG. 1 is one of the plurality of LEDs 62).

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 99 includes: areception portion 51; an image signal process portion 52; a liquidcrystal display panel controller 31; a main microcomputer (main micro)12; an LED controller 13; the thermistor 65; the photo sensor 66; an LEDdriver 55; and the LED 62.

The reception portion 51 receives, for example, an image voice signalsuch as a television broadcast signal (see a white arrow) and the like(in the following description, an image signal contained in the imagevoice signal is chiefly described). And, the reception portion 51transmits the received image signal to the image signal process portion52.

Here, the image signal transmitted to the image signal process portion52 is, for convenience, defined as a basic image signal (image data);and of color image signals contained in this basic image signal, asignal for indicating a red color is defined as a basic red color imagesignal FRS; a signal for indicating a green color is defined as a basicgreen color image signal FGS; and a signal for indicating a blue coloris defined as a basic blue color image signal FBS.

The image signal process portion 52, based on the received basic imagesignal (image data), generates a processed image signal. And, the imagesignal process portion 52 transmits the processed image signal to theliquid crystal display panel controller 31 and the LED controller 13.

Here, the processed image signal is: a processed color image signal(processed red color image signal RS, processed green color image signalGS, processed blue color image signal BS) that is obtained by processingthe basic color image signal (basic red color image signal FRS, basicgreen color image signal FGS, basic blue color image signal FBS and thelike); and a synchronization signal (clock signal CLK, verticalsynchronization signal VS, horizontal synchronization signal HS and thelike) that is related to the processed color image signal.

However, the processed color image signal transmitted to the liquidcrystal display panel controller 31 and the processed color image signaltransmitted to the LED controller 13 are different from each other.Accordingly, to distinguish these processed color image signals fromeach other, the processed color image signal (panel control data)transmitted to the liquid crystal display panel controller 31 is definedas a panel processed red color image signal RSp, a panel processed greencolor image signal GSp, and a panel processed blue color image signalBSp.

On the other hand, the processed color image signal (light sourcecontrol data) transmitted to the LED controller 13 is defined as a lightsource red color image signal RSd, a light source green color imagesignal GSd, and a light source blue color image signal BSd (here, indetail, the light source color image signal (RSd, GSd, BSd) undergoesprocesses such as interpolation and the like; thereafter, is transmittedto the LED driver 55, which is described in detail later.

Based on the panel processed red color image signal RSp, the panelprocessed green color image signal GSp, the panel processed blue colorimage signal BSp, and the synchronization signal related to thesesignal, the liquid crystal display panel controller 31 controls thepixels of the liquid crystal display panel 89.

Here, the liquid crystal display panel controller 31 has a function forinserting another screen between one (one frame) of a series of screensand the next, that is, a generation function for generating a so-calledinterpolation frame. To have such a function, the liquid crystal displaypanel controller 31, as shown in FIG. 1, includes: a panel frame memory32; a motion detection portion 33; a panel double-speed conversionportion 34; a panel image adjustment portion 35; and a gatedriver/source driver control portion (G/S control portion) 36.

The panel frame memory 32 stores one-frame part of the panel processedcolor image signal (RSp, GSp, BSp) (here, the panel processed colorimage signal corresponding to one frame is called a frame image signal(frame image data)). And, in a case where the frame frequency is 60 Hz,the panel frame memory 32 reads 60-frame part of the stored panelprocessed color image signal per second; delays the part by one frameperiod (one vertical scan period); and transmits the delayed part to themotion detection portion 33 and the panel double-speed conversionportion 34.

The motion detection portion 33 uses the panel processed color imagesignal transmitted without passing through the panel frame memory 32 andthe delayed panel processed color image signal transmitted via the panelframe memory 32 to detect a signal that indicates a motion vector(motion vector signal MS) by means of a block matching method. And, themotion detection portion 33 transmits the detected motion vector signalMS to the panel double-speed conversion portion 34.

The panel double-speed conversion portion 34 double-speeds the panelprocessed color image signal transmitted from the panel frame memory 32while double-speeding the motion vector signal MS transmitted from themotion detection portion 33. And, these double-speeded signals (thesignal obtained by double-speeding the panel processed color imagesignal (RSp, GSp, BSp) and the signal obtained by double-speeding themotion vector signal MS) are transmitted to the panel image adjustmentportion 35 by the panel double-speed conversion portion 34.

The panel image adjustment portion 35, based on the motion vector signalMS, generates a signal (interpolation image) for an interpolation frameimage from the panel processed color image signal (RSp, GSp, BSp); andinserts the interpolation frame image signal between usual frame imagesignals. And, the panel image adjustment portion 35 transmits thesesignals (the interpolation frame image signal and the usual frame imagesignal that is not the interpolation frame image signal) to a sourcedriver of the liquid crystal display panel 89.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when a frame image signal and the nextframe image signal that are arranged in time series are “Ap′”, and “Bp′”respectively, the panel image adjustment portion 35, by means of theseframe image signal “Ap′” and frame image signal “Bp′”, generates aninterpolation frame image signal to be inserted between the frame imagesignal “Ap′” and the frame image signal “Bp′” (here, such aninterpolation frame image signal is based on the frame image signal“Ap′” and the frame image signal “Bp′”, so that the interpolation frameimage signal is expressed as an interpolation frame image signalAp′Bp′).

And, the panel image adjustment portion 35 transmits these frame imagesignals (first frame image data) Ap′, the interpolation frame imagesignal (interpolation frame image data) Ap′Bp′, and the frame imagesignal (second frame image data) Bp′to the source driver.

Here, the mark “′” is also attached to the panel processed color imagesignals (RSp, GSp, BSp) that correspond to the frame image signal Ap′,the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ and the frame image signalBp′ (panel processed color image signals (RSp′, GSp′, BSp′)). In otherwords, the mark “′” is attached to the panel processed color imagesignals (RSp, GSp, BSp) that are processed by the liquid crystal displaypanel controller 31.

Beside, the frame image signals generated from the basic color imagesignals (FRS, FGS, FBS) may be so expressed as frame image signals A, B,C . . . as to correspond to the frame image signal Ap′, the frame imagesignal Bp′, . . . . Here, the block diagram in FIG. 1 that is simplifiedand the various frame image signals that are schematized are showntogether as in FIG. 3.

The gate driver/source driver control portion (G/S control portion) 36,as shown in FIG. 1, generates timing signals for controlling the gatedriver and the source driver from the clock signal CLK, the verticalsynchronization signal VS, the horizontal synchronization signal HS andthe like that are transmitted from the image signal process portion 52(here, the timing signal corresponding to the gate driver is defined as“G-TS”, while the timing signal corresponding to the source driver isdefined as “S-TS”).

In other words, the liquid crystal display panel controller 31, as shownin FIG. 1, generates the panel processed color image signals (RSp′,GSp′, BSp′) and the timing signals (G-TS, S-TS); and by means of thesesignals, controls the liquid crystal display panel 89.

The main microcomputer (main micro) 12 integrates various control of thebacklight unit 79, the liquid crystal display panel 89 and the like.Here, the main micro 12 and the LED controller 13 controlled by the mainmicro 12 are collectively called a micro unit 11 in some cases.

The LED controller 13, under the management (control) by the main micro12, transmits various control signals to the LED driver 55. And, thisLED controller 13 includes: an LED controller setting register group 14;an LED driver control portion 15; a serial parallel conversion portion(S/P conversion portion) 41; a pulse width modulation portion 42; aframe light adjustment unit 21; a color temperature correction portion43; an incorporated memory 44; an individual unevenness correctionportion 45; a temperature correction portion 46; a time-dependentdeterioration correction portion 47; and a parallel serial conversionportion (P/S conversion portion) 48.

The LED controller setting register group 14 temporarily holds variouscontrol signals from the main micro 12. In other words, the main micro12 controls various members in the inside of the LED controller 13 viathe LED controller setting register group 14.

The LED driver control portion 15 transmits the light source color imagesignals (RSd, GSd, BSd) from the image signal process portion 52 to theS/P conversion portion 41. Besides, the LED driver control portion 15,by means of the synchronization signals (the clock signal CLK, thevertical synchronization signal VS, the horizontal synchronizationsignal and the like), generates a timing signal L-TS for turning on theLED 62 (in detail, the LED chip 63) and transmits the timing signal tothe LED driver 55.

The S/P conversion portion 41 converts the light source color imagesignal transmitted as serial data from the LED driver control portion 15into parallel data.

The pulse width modulation portion 42, based on the light source colorimage signal, adjusts the light emission period of the LED 62 by meansof a pulse width modulation method (Pulse Width Modulation: PWM).Besides, a signal value used for such pulse width modulation is called aPWM signal (PWM value). Here, the pulse width modulation method is amethod that is well known and separates one second into 128 sections andchanges a time width for emitting light in each section (e.g., changesthe light emission time by means of PWM values of 12 bits=0 to 4095).

The frame light adjustment unit 21 adjusts the light source color imagesignals (RSd, GSd, BSd) to obtain signals that correspond to the frameimage signal and the interpolation frame image signal that are generatedfrom the panel processed color image signals (RSp, GSp, BSp). However,details are described later.

The color temperature adjustment portion 43 performs correction to makethe color temperature of the white light emitted from the LED 62 comeclose to a desired value. For example, the color temperature adjustmentportion 43, by means of a data table that contains the temperature ofeach of the LED chips (63R, 63G, 63B) and the brightness of each of theLED chips that corresponds to the temperature, calculates the brightnessof the white light from the brightness ratio of the respective light(red light, green light, blue light) that constitutes the white light(here, the temperature of each of the LED chips 63 is measured by thethermistor 65).

And, the color temperature adjustment portion 43 adjusts and makes thecalculated brightness of the white light come close to a desiredbrightness of the white light. Specifically, the color temperatureadjustment portion 43 changes the value of an electric current thatflows in each of the LED 62. However, the way of the color temperatureadjustment performed by the color temperature adjustment portion 43 isnot limited to the above way: another way of the color temperatureadjustment may be employed. Here, the data table, which contains thetemperature of each of the LED chips (63R, 63G, 63B) and the brightnessof each of the LED chips, is stored in the incorporated memory 44.

The incorporated memory 44 stores, for example, the data table that isnecessary for the above color temperature adjustment. Besides, theincorporated memory 44 stores a look-up table (LUT) as well that isnecessary for the individual unevenness correction portion 45, thetemperature correction portion 46, and the time-dependent deteriorationcorrection portion 47 that are on later stages after the colortemperature adjustment portion 43.

The individual unevenness correction portion 45 confirms the performanceof each of the LEDs 62 in advance and performs correction to removeindividual differences. For example, in advance, the brightness of theLED 62 is measured by means of specific PWM values. In detail, thespecific PWM value corresponding to each of the LED chips 63 iscorrected such that the red light emitting LED chip 63R, the green lightemitting LED chip 63G, and the blue light emitting LED chip 63B of eachof the LED 62 are turned on to be able to generate the white light thathas a desired tint.

Next, the PWM value corresponding to each of the LEDs 62 (the LED chips63R, 63G, 63B) is further corrected such that the plurality of LEDs 62are turned on to remove brightness unevenness of the surface light.According to this, the individual differences (individual unevenness ofthe brightness, and brightness unevenness of the surface light) in theplurality of LEDs 62 are corrected.

Here, there are various ways of performing such correction process;however, a correction process that uses a general look-up table (LUT) isemployed. In other words, the individual unevenness correction portion45 performs a correction process by means of a LUT that is stored in theincorporated memory 44 and is for the individual unevenness of the LED62.

The temperature correction portion 46 performs a correction processconsidering brightness deterioration of the LED 62 caused by temperatureincrease due to the light emission from the LED 62. For example, thetemperature correction portion 46 obtains temperature data of the LED 62(in short, the LED chips 63R, 63G, 63B) by means of the thermistor 65once every second; obtains a LUT corresponding to the temperature datafrom the incorporated memory 44; and performs a correction process (inother words, changes the PWM values that correspond to the LED chips63R, 63G, 63B) to curb the brightness unevenness of the surface light.

The time-dependent deterioration correction portion 47 performs acorrection considering the brightness deterioration of the LED 62 causedby time-dependent deterioration of the LED 62. For example, thetime-dependent deterioration correction portion 47 obtains brightnessdata of the LED 62 (in short, the LED chips 63R, 63G, 63B) by means ofthe photo sensor 66 once every year; obtains a LUT corresponding to thebrightness data from the incorporated memory 44; and performs acorrection process (in other words, changes the PWM values thatcorrespond to the LED chips 63R, 63G, 63B) to curb the brightnessunevenness of the surface light.

The P/S conversion portion 48 converts the light source color imagesignal, which undergoes various correction processes and is transmittedas parallel data, into serial data.

The LED driver 55, based on the signal (the PWM signal, the timingsignal) from the LED controller 13, performs the turning on/off controlof the LED 62.

The LED 62, as described above, includes: the one LED chip 63R; the twoLED chips 63 G; and the one LED chip 63B. And, the turning on/offcontrol of theses LED chips (light emitting chips) is performed by theLED driver 55 by means of the pulse width modulation system.

Here, the frame light adjustment unit 21 is described in detail usingFIG. 1 to FIG. 8. The frame light adjustment portion 21, as shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 3, includes: an LED frame memory 22; an LED double-speedconversion portion 23; and an LED light adjustment portion 24 (here, thefrequency 60 Hz shown in FIG. 3 is an example and is not limited tothis).

LED frame memory 22 stores one-fame part of the light source color imagesignal (RSd, GSd, BSd) (here, the light source color image signal forone frame is called a frame-type LED control signal). And, in a casewhere the fame frequency is, for example, 60 Hz, the LED frame memory 22reads 60-frame part of the stored light source color image signal everysecond; delays the part by one frame period (one vertical scan period);and transmits the delayed part to the LED double-speed conversionportion 23.

The LED double-speed conversion portion 23 double-speeds the lightsource color image signal (usual light source color image signal) thatis not delayed without passing though the LED frame memory 22 whiledouble-speeding the delayed light source color image signal that istransmitted from the LED frame memory 22. And, these double-speededsignals (the signal obtained by double-speeding the not-delayed panelprocessed color image signal and the signal obtained by double- speedingthe delayed panel processed color image signal) are transmitted to theLED light adjustment portion 24 by the LED double-speed conversionportion 23.

The LED light adjustment portion 24 adjusts the two kinds ofdouble-speeded signals transmitted to obtain signals that correspond tothe frame image signal and the interpolation frame image signal that areadjusted by the liquid crystal display panel controller 31. In detail,the LED light adjustment portion 24 inserts the light source color imagesignal, which corresponds to the interpolation frame image signal,between the light source color image signals which correspond to theusual frame image signal (here, the light source color image signalcorresponding to the usual frame image signal is called the frame-typeLED control signal while the light source color image signalcorresponding to the interpolation frame image signal is called theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal).

For example, the frame-type LED control signal (frame-type light amountadjustment data, first light amount adjustment data) corresponding tothe frame image signal Ap′ is defined as “Ad′”; and the frame-type LEDcontrol signal (frame-type light amount adjustment data, second lightamount adjustment data) corresponding to the frame image signal Bp′ isdefined as “Bd′”.

Further, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal (interpolationframe- type light amount adjustment data) corresponding to theinterpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ is defined as “Ad′Bd′”. And,FIG. 3 shows the frame-type LED control signal Ad′, the interpolationframe-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′, the frame-type LED control signalBd′ and the like.

In other words, the LED light adjustment portion 24 generates theframe-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ that corresponds to theinterpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′; and inserts the interpolationframe-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ between the frame-type LED controlsignal Ad′ and the frame-type LED control signal Bd′. And, the LED lightadjustment portion 24 transmits these signals (the interpolationframe-type LED control signal and the frame-type LED control signal) tothe color temperature adjustment portion 43.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3 and later-described FIG. 4, the micro unit 11synchronizes, for example, the frame-type LED control signal Ad′ withthe frame image signal Ap′; synchronizes the interpolation frame-typeLED control signal Ad′Bd′ with the interpolation frame image signalAp′Bp′; and synchronizes the frame-type LED control signal Bd′ with theframe image signal Bp′. In other words, the micro unit 11 synchronizesthe frame-type LED control signal and the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal with the frame image signal and the interpolation frameimage signal respectively that are in a corresponding relationship.

Besides, the mark “′” is also attached to the light source image signals(RSd, GSd, BSd) that correspond to the frame-type LED control signalAd′, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′, theframe-type LED control signal Bd′ and the like (the light source colorimage signals (RSd′, GSd′, BSd′)). In other words, the mark “′” isattached to the light source color image signals (RSd, GSd, BSd) thatare processed by the frame light adjustment portion 21 (here, the lightsource color image signal after such process is also called the lightamount adjustment data).

The above description is summed up as follows. In other words, under themanagement by the main micro 12, the frame light adjustment unit 21 ofthe LED controller 13, to perform the process, receives the light sourcecolor image signals (RSd, GSd, BSd) from the basic color image signals(image data) that are bases of the panel processed color image signal(panel control data) and the light source color image signal (lightsource control data).

And, under the management by the main micro 12, the LED controller 13(in other words, the micro unit 11), based on the panel processed colorimage signals (RSp, GSp, BSp), generates two frame-type LED controlsignals while making the frame-type LED control signals correspond tothe two frame image signals that are arranged in time series. Further,the LED controller 13, from the two frame-type LED control signals,generates the interpolation frame-type LED signal that corresponds tothe intermediate interpolation frame image signal in a time passagebetween the two frame image signals.

As a specific example, under the management by the main micro 12, theLED controller 13, based on the panel processed color image signals(RSp, GSp, BSp), generates the two frame-type LED control signals Ad′and Bd′ while making the frame-type LED control signals correspond tothe two frame image signals Ap′ and Bp′ that are arranged in timeseries.

Further, the LED controller 13, from the two frame-type LED controlsignals Ad′ and Bd′, generates the interpolation frame-type LED controlsignal Ad′Bd′ that corresponds to the intermediate interpolation frameimage signal Ap′Bp′ in a time passage between the two frame imagesignals Ap′ and Bp′.

And, FIG. 4 is a descriptive view in which the frame-type LED controlsignal Ad′, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′, theframe-type LED control signal Bd′ and the like, which are described asexamples, correspond to the frame image signal Ap′, the interpolationframe image signal Ap′Bp′, the frame image signal Bp′ and the like (FIG.4 is a descriptive view in which a horizontal axis is used as a timeaxis (second; s) and the various signals are arranged in time series).

Usually, the panel processed color image signals (RSp′, GSp′, BSp′),which become the frame image signals Ap′, Bp′, Cp′, Dp′ . . . that arearranged in time series, originate from the bases, that is, the panelprocessed color image signals (RSp, GSp, BSp); and these panel processedcolor image signals (RSp, GSp, BSp) constitute the basic color imagesignals (FRS, FGS, FBS).

On the other hand, the light source color image signals (RSd′, GSd′,BSd′), which become the frame-type LED control signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′,Dd′ . . . that are arranged in time series, originate from the bases,that is, the light source color image signals (RSd, GSd, BSd); and theselight source color image signals (RSd, GSd, BSd) also constitute thebasic color image signals (FRS, FGS, FBS).

It is possible to say that a correlation between the signals which havethe same constituent bases as described above is high; and because ofthis, the frame image signals Ap′, Bp′, Cp′, Dp′ . . . arranged in timeseries and the frame-type LED control signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′, Dd′ . . .arranged in time series are in good harmonization (matching) with eachother. The matching means that for example, in a case where the frameimage signal is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89, theframe-type LED control signal functions such that light (backlight),which generates as less image blur, dynamic-image trouble (flickerfeeling) and the like as possible, is obtained.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the frame image signals Ap′, Bp′, Cp′, Dp′ .. . and the frame-type LED control signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′, Dd′ . . . havethe same timing in terms of time (synchronize with each other).Accordingly, in the case where the frame image signals Ap′, Bp′, Cp′,Dp′ . . . are displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89, thedisplay image receives the light that is based on the frame-type LEDcontrol signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′, Dd′ . . . which are in good harmonizationwith the frame image signals Ap′, Bp′, Cp′, Dp′ . . . , so that thedisplay image becomes a relatively high-quality image.

Besides, the interpolation frame-type LED control signals, which havethe same timing as the interpolation frame image signals Ap′Bp′, Bp′Cp′,Cp′Dp′ . . . , are the interpolation frame-type LED control signalsAd′Bd′, Bd′Cd′, Cd′Dd′ . . . . These interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signals Ad′Bd′, Bd′Cd′, Cd′Dd′, . . . are not the the frame-typeLED control signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′, Dd′ . . . themselves, but the signalsthat are generated based on the the frame-type LED control signals Ad′,Bd′, Cd′, Dd′ . . . .

And, like the generation of the interpolation frame image signal, theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal is generated based on oneand the other of the frame-type LED control signals that are arranged intime series. For example, the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ isgenerated based on the frame image signal Ap′ and the frame image signalBp′; likewise, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ isgenerated based on the frame-type LED control signal Ad′ and theframe-type LED control signal Bd′.

In other words, the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′, which isbased on the frame image signal Ap′ and the frame image signal Bp′,corresponds to the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′that is _(a)based on the frame-type LED control signal Ad′ and theframe-type LED control signal Bd′ that are in good harmonization withthe frame image signal Ap′ and the frame image signal Bp′.

Because of this, the interpolation frame image signal and theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal, which controls the LED 62that emits light at the same timing with the interpolation frame signal,have a correlation with each other; and because of this, theharmonization between the interpolation frame image signal and theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal also becomes relativelyhigh. As a result of this, in a case where the interpolation frame imagesignal is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89, the displayimage also becomes a relatively high-quality image like in the casewhere the frame image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal displaypanel 89.

In short, the “interpolation” (from two frame image signals before andafter, a frame image signal that is suitable between both of the frameimage signals is imagined and prepared) that is applied to the usualframe image signal is applied to the frame-type LED control signal aswell.

In detail, from two frame-type LED control signals before and after, aframe-type LED control signal that is suitable between both of theframe-type LED control signals is imagined and prepared. And, the frameimage signal and the frame-type LED control signal are in goodharmonization with each other, so that the harmonization between theinterpolation frame image signal and the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal also becomes good.

In other words, between the image signal (the frame image signal and theinterpolation frame image signal) displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay panel 89 and the LED control signal (the frame-type LED controlsignal and the interpolation frame-type LED control signal) thatcontrols the backlight of the backlight unit 79, a good relationship inharmonization is satisfied. As a result of this, by means of suchprocess “interpolation” only, the quality of the image displayed on theliquid crystal display panel 89 improves.

Here, in the process for generating the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal, the contribution ratios (e.g., α, β, γ . . . ) of oneand the other of the two frame-type LED control signals may suitablychange. FIG. 5 is a descriptive view which describes, additionally tothe descriptive view of FIG. 4, the contribution ratios α, β, γ . . .(here, α, β, γ . . . are numbers equal to 1 or smaller) of theframe-type LED control signal to the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal Ad′Bd′ is composed by summation of (α×100) % of theframe-type LED control signal Ad′ and ((1−α)×100) % of the frame-typeLED control signal Bd′. And, the contribution ratio a is suitablychanged in accordance with the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′.

For example, in a case where the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′is generated by means of the contribution of the frame image signal Ap′larger than the frame image signal Bp′, it is desirable that theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ also is generated bythe contribution of the frame-type LED control signal Ad′ larger thanthe frame-type LED control signal Bd′ (in other words, it is desirablethat a relationship α>(1−α) is satisfied).

According to this, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal,which is in good harmonization with the interpolation frame imagesignal, is generated. Because of this, the display image on the liquidcrystal display panel 89, which is based on the interpolation frameimage signal that corresponds to the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal, receives the backlight that is based on theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal which is in goodharmonization with the interpolation frame image, so that the displayimage has a relatively high quality.

Here, the contribution ratios (e.g., α, β, γ . . . ) may suitably changefor each of the LED chips 63R, 63G, and 63B. This is because, accordingto this, a frame-type LED control signal that is in better harmonizationwith the interpolation frame image signal is generated. Here, notlimited to this, in a case of the LED 63 as shown in FIG. 12B, thecontribution ratio may change for each LED 63.

In the meantime, as an example of the frame frequency, 60 Hz of an NTSC(National Television System Committee) system is described; however,this is not limiting. For example, the frame frequency may be 50 Hz of aPAL (Phase Alternating Line) system.

Besides, as shown in FIG. 3, the panel double-speed conversion portion34 of the liquid crystal display panel controller 31 and the LEDdouble-speed conversion portion 23 of the LED controller 13 (in detail,the frame light adjustment unit 21) double-speed a signal (60 Hz→120Hz); however, this is not limiting. For example, both double-speedconversion portions 34, 23 may speed a signal four times faster or more(60 Hz→240 Hz).

For example, in a case of four-time faster speed, as shown in FIG. 6,between two frame image signals that are arranged in time series, threeinterpolation frame image signals are arranged (e.g, between the frameimage signal Ap′ and the frame image signal Bp′, an interpolation imagesignal Ap′Bp′ [1], an interpolation image signal Ap′Bp′ [2], and aninterpolation image signal Ap′Bp′ [3] are arranged).

Likewise, between two frame-type LED control signals that are arrangedin time series, three interpolation frame- type LED control signals arearranged (e.g, between the frame-type LED control signal Ad′ and theframe-type LED control signal Bd′, an interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal Ad′Bd′ [1], an interpolation frame-type LED controlsignal Ad′Bd′ [2], and an interpolation frame- type LED control signalAd′Bd′ [3] are arranged).

And, the interpolation frame image signal and the interpolationframe-type LED control signal which have the same timing correspond toeach other (e.g, the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ [1] and theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ [1] correspond toeach other; the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ [2] and theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ [2] correspond toeach other; and the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′ [3] and theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ [3] correspond toeach other).

In other words, as described above, even if the frame frequency isspeeded four times faster, between the image signal (the frame imagesignal and the interpolation frame image signal) displayed on the liquidcrystal display panel 89 and the LED control signal (the frame-type LEDcontrol signal and the interpolation frame-type LED control signal) thatcontrols the backlight from the backlight unit 79, a good correspondingrelationship in harmonization is satisfied. As a result of this, thequality of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89improves.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the contribution ratios (e.g., α1 to α3, β1 toβ3 . . . are numbers equal to 1 or smaller) of one and the other of thetwo frame-type LED control signals may suitably change. This is because,if such contribution ratios are suitably changed, an interpolationframe-type LED control signal that is in better harmonization with theinterpolation frame image signal is generated.

In the meantime, in the case of the backlight unit 79 of the active areatype, a phenomenon, which is called a dynamic-image flicker that iscaused by the resolution of the backlight unit 79 (the number of shinedregions SA) lower than the resolution (the number of pixels) of theliquid crystal display panel 89, easily occurs. This dynamic-imageflicker is a phenomenon in which in a case where the display imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89 overlaps with aplurality of shined regions SA, if the brightness of each shined regionSA rapidly changed, the brightness change becomes conspicuous.

However, the backlight unit 79 which generates the interpolationframe-type LED control signal curbs the dynamic-image flicker. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 8, brightness levels that correspond to theframe-type LED control signals Ad′, Bd′, Cd′, Dd′, . . . are defined asLa, Lb, Lc, and Ld . . . , and it is supposed that there is arelationship La>Lb>Lc>Ld . . . between these brightness levels La to Ld. . . .

And, it is supposed that a difference between La and Lb, a differencebetween Lb and Lc, and a difference between Lc and Ld are differencesthat cause the brightness flicker. In this case, for example, in a caseof an LED control signal that causes a brightness change represented bya one-dot-one-bar line, the brightness flicker occurs.

However, in a case of an LED control signal (frame-type LED controlsignal, interpolation frame-type LED control signal) that causes abrightness change represented by a solid line, the brightness change isrelatively moderate. This is because a brightness Lab which correspondsto the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ is lower thanthe brightness La but higher than the brightness Lb; a brightness Lbcwhich corresponds to the interpolation frame-type LED control signalBd′Cd′ is lower than the brightness Lb but higher than the brightnessLc; and a brightness Lcd which corresponds to the interpolationframe-type LED control signal Cd′Dd′ is lower than the brightness Lc buthigher than the brightness Ld.

And, as described above, if the brightness change becomes small (if theresolution of the brightness change becomes small), a border betweendifferent brightnesses becomes inconspicuous. Because of this, thebacklight unit 79 that generates the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal easily supplies the backlight which curbs the brightnesschange compared with the backlight unit 79 that is not able to generatethe interpolation frame-type LED control signal. And, on the liquidcrystal display panel 89 that receives the backlight from this backlightunit 79, the dynamic-image flicker becomes unlikely to occur.

In the meantime, of the reception portion 51, the image signal processportion 52, the liquid crystal display panel controller 31, and themicro unit 11 (the main micro 12 and the LED controller 13) that areshown in FIG. 1, part or all the members may be incorporated in theliquid crystal display panel 89 or in the backlight unit 79. In short,it is sufficient if these members are incorporated in the liquid crystaldisplay device 99. However, in a case where the above-describedbrightness correction control is performed by the backlight unit 79alone, at least the reception portion 51, the image signal processportion 52, and the micro unit 11 are incorporated in the backlight unit79.

Besides, in a case where the LED controller 13 (in detail, the framelight adjustment unit 21) of the micro unit 11 generates theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal, the light source colorimage signals (RSd, GSd, BSd) are used. This signal is a 60-Hz signal towhich a special process is not applied, so that the control burden onthe LED controller 13 is relatively small.

However, in a case where the signal, which is transmitted to the LEDcontroller 13 and processed by the frame light adjustment unit 21, is asignal that undergoes a complicated process like, for example, the panelprocessed color image signal (RSp′, GSp′, BSp′) that is processed by theliquid crystal display panel controller 31, the control burden on theLED controller 13 is not immune from becoming heavy. Besides, thecircuit structure becomes complicated.

However, as shown in FIG. 1, in the circuit structure incorporated inthe backlight unit 79 (and the liquid crystal display device 99), theliquid crystal display panel controller 31 applies a process to thepanel processed color image signal (RSp, GSp, BSp) that is a signalseparated by the image signal process portion 52 while the LEDcontroller 13 applies a process to the light source color image signal(RSd, GSd, BSd).

Because of this, the control burden on the LED controller 13 (and themicro unit 11) is relatively small. Besides, because the control burdenis small, the cost of various circuits (e.g., ASIC: Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit) also decreases. Besides, the circuit structureitself is simplified.

Other Embodiments

In the meantime, the present invention is not limited to the aboveembodiments and various modifications are possible without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention. For example, the followingbacklight unit 79 (and the liquid crystal display device 99) is alsoconceivable.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in the process for generating the interpolationframe image signal, various signals are generated in accordance with thecontribution ratios (e.g., δ, ε . . . ) of one and the other of the twoframe image signals that are arranged in time series. In this case, theinterpolation frame image signal is likely to be generated in accordancewith a 100% contribution ratio (maximum contribution ratio) of the oneframe image signal.

For example, in a case where the interpolation frame image signal Ap′Bp′is generated in accordance with a contribution ratio of δ=1 (maximumcontribution ratio), as shown in FIG. 9B, the interpolation frame imagesignal Ap′Bp′ (see FIG. 9A) substantially becomes identical to the frameimage signal Ap′ (the interpolation frame image signalAp′Bp′=1×Ap′+(1−1)×Bp′=Ap′).

As described above, in the case where the interpolation frame imagesignal substantially disappears, the micro unit 11, as described below,generates the interpolation frame-type LED control signal. In otherwords, the micro unit 11 sets the contribution ratio of the frame-typeLED control signal, which corresponds to the one frame image signal thathas the 100% contribution ratio, at 100% (maximum contribution ratio)and generates the interpolation frame-type LED control signal.

For example, in the case where the interpolation frame image signalAp′Bp′ is substantially identical to the frame image signal Ap′, theinterpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′, which is generatedin accordance with the contribution ratios of the frame-type LED controlsignal Ad′ and the frame-type LED control signal Bd′, is generated inaccordance with a 100% contribution ratio (α=1) of the frame-type LEDcontrol signal Ad′ that corresponds to the frame image signal Ap′. Inthis case, the interpolation frame-type LED control signal Ad′Bd′ (seeFIG. 9B), as shown in FIG. 9C, becomes substantially identical to theframe-type LED control signal Ad′ (the interpolation frame-type LEDcontrol signal Ad′Bd′=1×Ad′+(1−1)×Bd′=Ad′).

In other words, in a case where the liquid crystal display panelcontroller 31 substantially does not generate the interpolation frameimage signal but repeats the frame image signal, the micro unit 11 (indetail, the panel light adjustment unit 21 of the LED controller 13)also does not generate the interpolation frame-type LED control signalbut repeats the frame-type LED control signal.

Because of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, the frame imagesignals Ap′, A p′, B p′, B p′, Cp′, . . . and the frame-type LED controlsignals Ad′, Ad′, Bd′, Bd′, C 3′, . . . have the same timing as eachother; and a good corresponding relationship in harmonization issatisfied. Accordingly, in the case where the frame image signal isdisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 89, the display imagebecomes a relatively high-quality image.

In the meantime, in the above description, the backlight unit 79 of adirect type is described as an example. However, this is not limiting.For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a backlight unit 69 (tandem-typebacklight unit), which incorporates a tandem-type light guide plate 77gr where wedge-shape light guide pieces 77 are laid all over, may beused.

Besides, in the above description, the reception portion 51 receives theimage voice signal such as the television broadcast signal and the likeand the image signal process portion 52 processes the image signal ofthe signal. Because of this, it is possible to say that a receptiondevice that incorporates such liquid crystal display device 99 is atelevision broadcast reception device (so-called liquid crystaltelevision). However, the image signal processed by the liquid crystaldisplay device 99 is not limited to the television broadcast. Forexample, an image signal contained in a record medium in which contentof a movie and the like is recorded may be used, or an image signaltransmitted via the Internet may be used.

Besides, various correction processes, which include the brightnesscorrection process by the micro unit 11, are achieved by a datageneration program. And, this data generation program is a program thatis executable on a computer and may be recorded in a record medium thatis readable by the computer. This is because the program recorded in arecord medium becomes mobile.

Here, as this record medium, for example, there are tape relatives suchas a separable magnetic tape, a cassette tape and the like; discrelatives such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc like a CD-ROM and thelike; card relatives such as an IC card (a memory card is included), anoptical card and the like; and semiconductor memory relatives such as aflash memory and the like.

Besides, the micro unit 11 may obtain the data generation program overcommunication from a communication network. Here, as the communicationnetwork by cable or wireless, there are the Internet, infrared-rayscommunication network and the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11 micro unit (control unit)

12 main micro (part of the control unit)

13 LED controller (part of the control unit)

14 LED controller register group (part of the control unit)

15 LED driver control portion (part of the control unit)

21 frame light adjustment unit (part of the control unit)

22 LED frame memory (part of the control unit)

23 LED double-speed conversion portion (part of the control unit)

24 LED light adjustment portion (part of the control unit)

31 liquid crystal display panel controller

32 panel frame memory

33 motion detection portion

34 panel double-speed conversion portion

35 panel image adjustment portion

36 G/S control portion

51 reception portion

52 image signal process portion

55 LED driver

MJ LED module

62 LED (light source)

63 LED chip (light emitting chip)

65 thermistor (temperature measurement portion)

66 photo sensor

79 backlight unit (illumination device)

89 liquid crystal display panel (display panel)

99 liquid crystal display device (display device)

1. An illumination device that comprises: a plurality of light sourcesthat emit light in accordance with light amount adjustment data; and acontrol unit that from image data which is a base of panel control dataand light source control data, generates the light amount adjustmentdata by applying a process to the light source control data; the controlunit, based on the panel control data, generates the light amountadjustment data of a frame type to the number of 2 while making thelight amount adjustment data correspond to two frame image data that arearranged in time series; and from the two light amount adjustment dataof the frame type, generates the light amount adjustment data of aninterpolation frame type that corresponds to intermediate interpolationframe image data in a time passage between the two frame image data. 2.The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the control unitchanges contribution ratios of one and the other of the two light amountadjustment data of the fame type to generate the light amount adjustmentdata of the interpolation frame type.
 3. The illumination deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein in a case where the interpolation frameimage data is generated in accordance with one highest contributionratio of the one and the other of the two frame image data that arearranged in time series, the control unit generates the light amountadjustment data of the interpolation frame type in accordance with thehighest contribution ratio of the one of the light amount adjustmentdata that corresponds to the one of the frame image data.
 4. Theillumination device according to claim 1, wherein the control unitgenerates the light amount adjustment data of the frame interpolationtype to the number of one or more.
 5. A display device comprising: theillumination device according to claim 1; and a display panel thatdisplays an image in accordance with image data.
 6. The display deviceaccording to claim 5, further comprising: an image signal processportion that separates the image data into panel control data and lightsource control data; and a liquid display panel controller that appliesa process to the panel control data to generate, as two frame imagedata, first frame image data and second frame image data that arearranged in time series; and generates interpolation frame image datafrom the first frame image data and the second frame image data; thecontrol unit applies a process to the light source control data togenerate, as two light amount adjustment data of a frame type that arearranged in time series: first light amount adjustment data whichcorresponds to the first frame image data; and second light amountadjustment data which corresponds to the second frame image data; andgenerates light amount adjustment data of an interpolation frame typefrom the first light amount adjustment data and the second light amountadjustment data.
 7. A data generation method that from image data whichis a base of panel control data and light source control data, generateslight amount adjustment data by applying a process to the light sourcecontrol data; the data generation method generates, based on the panelcontrol data, the light amount adjustment data of a frame type to thenumber of 2 while making the light amount adjustment data correspond totwo frame image data that are arranged in time series; and generates,from the two light amount adjustment data of the frame type, the lightamount adjustment data of an interpolation frame type that correspondsto intermediate interpolation frame image data in a time passage betweenthe two frame image data.
 8. A data generation program that generateslight amount control data on an illumination device that includes: aplurality of light sources that emit light in accordance with the lightamount adjustment data; and a control unit that from image data which isa base of panel control data and light source control data, generatesthe light amount adjustment data by applying a process to the lightsource control data; the data generation program, based on the panelcontrol data, generates the light amount adjustment data of a frame typeto the number of 2 while making the light amount adjustment datacorrespond to two frame image data that are arranged in time series; andfrom the two light amount adjustment data of the frame type, generatesthe light amount adjustment data of an interpolation frame type thatcorresponds to intermediate interpolation frame image data in a timepassage between the two frame image data; wherein the data generationprogram is executed by the control unit.
 9. A computer-readable recordmedium that records the data generation program according to claim 8.